In-state defender breaks down commitment

via @snxperz/Instagram

June was a busy month for Georgia Southern football, with Clay Helton and Co. landing six of their eight commitments in the class of 2025 last month.

Three-star Milton (GA) defensive lineman Caleb Ellis was the third of the six athletes to give his verbal pledge to the Eagles last month. His commitment came less than a week after a number of priority targets flocked to Statesboro for a weekend of official visits.

“When I took my (official visit) to Southern the coaches and players just felt right,” Ellis said. “I could tell it was something that I wanted to be a part of.”

Despite holding offers from an in-state foe and a pair of Power Five programs, the decision to continue his career in Statesboro came naturally to Ellis.

“Nothing about Southern felt fake,” Ellis said. “The coaches were real with me and the players were real as well. I was Southern’s No. 1 guy and they believed in me even when I had no offers.”

While Ellis is primarily listed as a defensive tackle and will be used as one in Statesboro, the defensive coaching staff sees a world of potential in the athletic lineman. After developing a relationship with the staff, Ellis was intrigued at the potential role he could play.

“Coach (Rip) Rowan and (Dillon) Springer are great people and I can tell that they can help me become the best version of myself,” Ellis said. “Their message to me was that my role in the defense would be as a three-tech, but also working in a little bit of (defensive end) too because I’m versatile enough to play both positions effectively.”

Ellis — the second-highest ranked commit in the Eagles’ 2025 class — closed his interview with GATA Central by highlighting one, very simple goal: Get Georgia Southern to the College Football Playoff.